The Divine Hours for Children

Picture Book: This is What I Pray Today:                                                     The Divine Hours Prayers for Children

Author: Phyllis Tickle

Illustrator: Elsa Warnick

Summary: When Phyllis Tickle published a new version of the Benedictine Rule of fixed-hour prayer called The Divine Hours, many Christians were not familiar with the practice. Today her versions of these old prayers structure the days of many protestants. 

In this book, she offers psalm-inspired prayers for young children to mark 3 specific times of each day of the week: Waking Up, 

Resting, 

and Ending My Day. 

The conceptual level is simple enough so that reading from this book can become a thrice daily ritual of children as young as two or three. 

For most children, this book could be read independently within a couple of years of learning to read.

Hanna’s Comments: In offering this book to children, the late, great Phyllis Tickle provides a structure of prayer that could be transformative to a child and the entire family.

This book would make an excellent gift for a family with a new baby, a family with children upon joining your congregation, or for parents who want to better ground their family life in scripture and prayer.

Additionally, a red ribbon bookmark is provided to mark the day throughout the week as your children read their first prayer book. 

Tickle gives some context and expanse to the text in her remarks in the back by suggesting these prayers are offered for Christian, Jewish, and Muslim parents and grandparents so that their "very young can be introduced early to the patterns and very grown-up practice of fixed-hour prayer."  

Original Publisher & Date: Dutton, 2007

Age & Grade Appropriateness: 3 and up, Pre and up

Formats other than Book: None at present

Scripture Connections: This book’s prayers are based on many Psalms, all of which are listed on each page.

Idea(s) for Application: Read a few of these prayers to participants of a faith-based preschool or elementary parenting class to encourage families to begin a ritual of praying together multiple times a day. 

December Holiday Books 10 & 11

Picture Book: Oskar and the Eight Blessings

Author: Tanya and Richard Simon

Illustrator: Mark Siegel

Summary: This is a beautiful story of a child who immigrates alone into New York City on December 24, 1938. His parents have sent him to an aunt after the devastating Kristallnacht. On November 9 & 10 of that year, Nazis destroyed thousands of synagogues and Jewish businesses and over 30,ooo Jews were placed in concentration camps. The date is also significant because it is the last day of Hanukkah and Christmas Eve. As Oskar walks the 100 plus blocks of Broadway to the address of an aunt he doesn’t know, he encounters historical figures (First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt and jazz musician Count Basie) and other anonymous strangers. All welcome and bless him in 8 various ways as he eventually makes his way to a loving aunt.  

Hanna’s Comments: This is a perfect book for talking in your family or faith family about hospitality, refugees, and generosity across religious traditions. It won the 2015 National Jewish Book Award for Children’s Literature. A map of Manhattan Island showing Oskar’s route, an Author’s Note, and short glossary are all in the back.

Original Publisher & Date: Roaring Brook Press, 2015

Age & Grade Appropriateness: 4 and up, Pre and up

Formats other than Book: Tablet

Scripture Connections: Treat the stranger who sojourns with you as the native (Leviticus 19:34); whoever receives you receives me (Matthew 10:40); see to show hospitality (Romans 12:13); do not neglect to show hospitality to stranger (Hebrews 13:2); show hospitality to on another (1 Peter 4:9); The story of Hanukkah is based on stories in 1^st and 2^nd Maccabees in the Hebrew Bible and in some Christian Bibles.

Idea(s) for Application: During December, read this book to a group in your faith family who are interested in hospitality to refugees or relationships across religious traditions. 

Picture Book: The Message of the Birds

Author: Kate Westerlund

Illustrator: Feridun Oral

Summary: An old owl tells fellow birds the story of Christmas. The coos of the Christ child are viewed as a blessing of joy and good will for all. When a robin asks why the birds no longer sing the story, the owl explains that the humans stopped listening to the song. Then together the birds create a new strategy: sing the story to the children of the world. Perhaps they will listen. The birds fly far and wide singing their message of hope. Birds they meet continue their mission. The children do listen and what unfolds is a coming together of the world’s children in a circle to celebrate the Christ child and honor the possibility of peace.

Hanna’s Comments: For me, this book seems like a mash up of Old Turtle by Wood and Chee (see the post [here]) and Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas. This story has beautiful illustrations of various birds. You’ll want to spend some time identifying them with your audience. Then explore how Jesus life and teachings connect with the idea of peace and why in December, peace is particularly desired.

Original Publisher & Date: Minedition, 2011

Age & Grade Appropriateness: 3 and up, Pre and up

Formats other than Book: Tablet

Scripture Connections: For unto us a child is born…his name shall be called…Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6); The angel sang, “Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace (Luke 2:14)

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book to a group of children in your faith family to explore how the Christ child was a promise of peace for all.  

December Holiday Books 7, 8, & 9

Today I offer 3 picture books that are origin stories, 1 for Hanukkah and 2 for Christmas. If you are Christian, still consider using the Hanukkah story for it is not only a part of December culture but our religious heritage as well.

Picture Book: It’s a Miracle! A Hanukkah Storybook

Author: Stephanie Spinner

Illustrator: Jill McElmurry 

Summary: Here the rituals and elements of Hanukkah are the background for a series of 8 stories told to Owen, the OCL (official lighter of the menorah candles). Owen hears these stories each night of Hanukah from his Grandma. Most are stories of family members with a few obvious exceptions such as the story of an alien who is helped by seeing a menorah in a window. Grandma highlights miracles and connections to the Jewish holiday and Owen’s heritage.

Hanna’s Comments: What a wonderful relationship Owen has with his Grandma! What a fabulous storyteller she is! In the back of this book, you’ll find The Hanukkah Legend, a list of The Hanukkah Blessings, and a short glossary. The text of this book is quite long so I suggest you read it in portions, depending on the age of your audience. It is a great introduction for non-Jewish children who know little of Hanukkah as well as a fun book for Jewish rabbis, teachers, or parents to read to their children. After reading, talk about some particular stories and traditions of your family of origin or family of faith.

Original Publisher& Date: Anne Swartz, 2003

Age & Grade Appropriateness: 5 and up, K and up

Formats other than Book: None at present

Scripture Connections: The story of Hanukkah is based on stories in 1^st and 2^nd Maccabees in the Hebrew Bible and in some Christian Bibles.

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book to a group of children wanting to learn more about Hanukkah and their own religious heritage.

Note this book has 2 very different covers depending on publication date.

Picture Book: The Nativity

Illustrator: Julie Vivas 

Summary: The story of Jesus’ birth is illustrated here with very human but unusual illustrations. Beginning with the angel Gabriel’s visit to Mary, the illustrations encompass the journey, birth, and response from the community. It ends with the departure of the shepherds and wise men.

Hanna’s Comments: This is the book I usually choose when I want to read about Jesus’ birth to children and adults. Audiences respond so positively to the juxtaposition of the old King James text with the delightful and surprising illustrations.

Original Publisher & Date: Gulliver, 1986

Age & Grade Appropriateness: 4 and up, Pre and up

Formats other than Book: None at present

Scripture Connections: The text in this book is from the King James version of Matthew and Luke.

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book to a group of children who are celebrating the birth of the Christ child.

Note that this cover is different from what you may find.

Picture Book: The First Christmas

Illustrations: Paintings at The National Gallery, London 

Summary: This stunning book offers scripture texts of Jesus’ birth with corresponding paintings from masters of the Renaissance. For instance, the angel Gabriel’s words to Mary in the Book of Luke are paired with this [beautiful painting] by Lippi from The National Gallery of London.

Hanna’s Comments: There are many picture books that celebrate Jesus’ birth. Here I’ve chose two that are very different. This book is most appropriate for school age children or older and has an additional art history component. An index in the back offers information about each of the paintings.

Original Publisher & Date: Simon & Schuster, 1992

Age & Grade Appropriateness: 5 and up, K and up

Formats other than Book: None at present, but it is likely that most of these paintings can be viewed on-line [here] at the museum’s website.

Scripture Connections: The text in this book is from the King James version of Isaiah, Matthew, and Luke.

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book in a homeschool or private school setting as a combined religious and art lesson.